I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by;
And the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea’s face, and a grey dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
Red-billed Shearwater.
I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over.
(Sea Fever By John Masefield)
You can walk all the way from Point Smyth Coastal Reserve (at the entrance to Andersons Inlet – opposite Inverloch) all the way to Cape Liptrap. There are several streams along the way where fresh water can be obtained (probably filter, as there are sheep upstream – ie some danger of hydatids), eg at the Five Mile (beach access), Ten Mile and Morgans Creek. You can camp back in the sand hills many places. There is usually lots of driftwood for a fire. the pippies are awesomely abundant (particularly at low tide), and there is good fishing – particularly whiting. It is a delightful walk. Try to pick a day when it is not windy. The sand is very fine and can sandblast you when the wind is strong. It should be possible to climb over Cape Liptrap and continue on along the other side – to Walkerville, Waratah Bay and Wilsons Prom.
